THE KEYS ARE CLOSED TO GENERAL PUBLIC

The message from Monroe County Emergency Management is that the Keys are closed to the general public (even residents) while damage assessments continue and utilities are restored. Those who arrive in Florida City will be turned away.

• The National Guard is expected to arrive today. The Marathon airport is reportedly clear. The Guard will conduct the search and rescue missions.

• There is no water pressure south of Layton. However, the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority will pressurize the system today from 10 a.m. to noon in Key West for showers and flushing toilets. This water is not safe to drink. Crews are examining the distribution system looking for leaks.

• The wastewater systems are not operational in Key West or Marathon.

• There is no electric power anywhere in the Keys except Islamorada and Key Largo. Crews are working from both ends of the island chain to examine the system and make repairs.

• There is no cell service in the Middle and Lower Keys.

• The state Department of Transportation has dispatched five “cut and toss” crews and four bridge inspection crews. They are working west down the island chain. As they clear a bridge as “safe to travel” then law enforcement will take control of the bridge. More bridge inspection crews are expected to land Tuesday in Key West and work north. In addition, DOT is launching an aerial drone flight from Corpus Christi to perform an inspection.